Engineering Project Manager

Company Description

At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.

We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® and KOOEE!® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.

Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.

Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.

Job Description

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading a team in designing, optimizing and improving manufacturing and industrial processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs and ensure product quality & safety focusing on the mechanical aspects. They will analyze mechanical workflows, troubleshoot issues, working cross functionally to implement solutions to enhance operational performance.

The primary responsibilities of the process engineer include analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance operational performance. The Project/Process Manager will work closely with the cross functional teams to evaluate workflows, identify bottlenecks and propose solutions to improve productivity and efficiency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)   

• • Documentation & Compliance: Prepare detailed process documentation, including (SOPs) standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, and work instructions. Ensuring all activities comply with safety, health, environmental and industry specific regulations.
  • Collaboration & Training: Work with the maintenance, engineering, operations and other cross functional teams and OEMs to develop and provide training to the technical support staff (Technicians, operators, etc.).
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Identify potential production bottlenecks, investigating root causes of equipment malfunctions and process issues. Implement swift corrective actions to resolve issues and prevent reoccurrence.
  • Mechanical Design & Optimization: Develop new processes, and/or modify existing processes to maximize output & uptime, while minimizing defects, waste and costs.
  • Equipment & Layout: Work with the cross functional teams on evaluating and recommending new equipment, designing layouts and ensuring equipment is used effectively. Write and present Capital Expenditure projects.
  • All other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical or similar).
• 3+ years of experience as a process engineer or continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of process optimization techniques, lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies and statistical analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex process issues.
• Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Food manufacturing experience, with meat processing a plus.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Master’s degree in process engineering or a related field.
• Professional certification in process engineering or related areas.
• Experience with process automation and control systems.
• Knowledge of automation and control systems, such as SCADA and PLC.
• Knowledge of process simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Solid understanding of quality management systems, such as ISO standards.

Additional Information

The hiring range for this role is $98k-$115k annually. Actual wages will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant / office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet / slippery floors. Travel may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees